Suzuki Vitara Common Faults
You may have ridden many SUVs, but one car with a true legacy is the Suzuki Vitara. A mainstay of the Suzuki range, this vehicle has been in production since 1988 through many different generations. Stay until the end and find out the common faults of the Suzuki Vitara .
Although some problems only appear after many years of operation, others are related to technical fixes and have forced the manufacturer to issue a recall. In the following summary, you will find the most common problems with the Suzuki Vitara, for which Suzuki has announced a recall.
How good is the Suzuki Vitara?
If you want a good used SUV, make the Suzuki Vitara one of your first choices. There’s a reason this vehicle has remained in the public eye for so long – and that’s because of its strong road handling , attractive features, and durability.
If you’re thinking of buying a second-hand Vitara, it’s most likely a second- or third-generation vehicle. Both are good value for money, but the latest third-generation vehicles got a new presence and have a little more road presence.
Still, if you want an all-wheel-drive car in a solid, reliable package that’s easy to fix and offers good mpg economy, then this Suzuki is a sure bet. However, it is not completely destruction-proof since, like any other vehicle, it can present certain problems.
Common failures of the Suzuki Vitara
Some problems only appear after many years of operation, others are related to technical solutions and have forced the manufacturer to issue a recall. In the following summary, you will find the common faults of the Suzuki Vitara, for which Suzuki has announced a recall and also the frequently found faults.
If the problem is corrected in time, it may not affect the overall reliability of your Suzuki Vitara. However, often the fault can go unresolved because you or the previous owner may not have known about the recall or ignored the manufacturer’s letter.
1- Engine noise
Do you hear a metallic noise coming from the engine? If so, it is most likely due to a problem with the timing chain . Tensioners are notorious for failing if the vehicle has been poorly serviced.
At the very least, you will need to replace the timing chain tensioners, and you may also need to replace the timing chain, if it is damaged. After the necessary work is done, it is recommended to carry out an oil change, if it has not been done after a while.
2- Failure to accelerate
Do you suffer from a poor engine idle? Does the vehicle lack power when you step on the accelerator? The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve in this vehicle is known to become clogged with carbon, causing the above problems.
This is one of the common Suzuki Vitara faults that you can fix without spending a lot of money. You can remove the EGR valve and clean it with carburetor cleaner and a toothbrush. Once cleaned and remounted, the issue should be resolved .
3- Overcharging or starting problems
If you’re having trouble starting your Vitara, then the carburetor is failing . The carburettor is known to overcharge the engine, due to a problem with the float. You will need to replace the carburetor to fix this problem.
4- Failure in the brake calipers
If a Vitara has been sitting still for a considerable amount of time, it’s not uncommon for the brake calipers to seize up and stop working properly. Think about how the vehicle has been used to get a clue as to whether this could be a problem, and then be sure to test stopping distances at various speeds in the car .
If the brakes seem unresponsive or the car is taking too long to stop, then you have probably discovered the cause of the problem.
5- Worn suspension
It’s a good idea to have the suspension tested periodically, especially if the vehicle has been used for towing, as the system is prone to failure. Does the car handle well on rough, rough roads or does the driving seem excessively bouncy and problematic? Check that the car returns to its normal position by performing a bounce test. Push down on the hood and see if it comes back to stillness in a couple of bounces.
6- Diesel particulate filters (DPF) clogged
One of the most vulnerable points in Suzuki’s overall mechanical systems is their need for clean oil and regular oil changes. Failure to comply with this demand can leave the car with a very dirty diesel particulate filter that can become clogged and clogged with soot, causing the Vitara to emit dirty exhaust smoke while running.
Leave the car idling after your test drive and go to the rear of the vehicle to inspect the volume of smoke coming out of the exhaust to check for this issue.
7- Faults in the transmission tensioner pulley
One of the largest recalls affecting this Suzuki vehicle was for the drive belt tensioner pulley. In 2011 it was detected that thousands of Vitaras suffered from a problem with an internal spring that could cause a loss of tension in this system.
If this problem has not been corrected correctly, you may see a warning light on the control panel . Pay close attention even if you think it’s nothing to worry about.
8- Cracked stock
When starting, get out of the car and check the asphalt. Are there oil and coolant stains? If so, there’s a chance that problems with the coolant system have caused a crack in the cylinder head of the Vitara’s engine.
This is one of the common Suzuki Vitara failures that also causes poor performance and perhaps smoke coming out of the exhaust. It is a problem that you will surely want to avoid.
9- Road damage
The Vitara’s bodywork is prone to damage from driving off-road. If the car has been used to drive on all types of terrain, it is good that you check the thresholds, the wheel arches, the exit points and take a good look at the underbody.
